Suh will likely appeal, but the appeal process is expected to be expedited due to the ensuing playoff game this weekend.

For Suh, it's familiar territory. The league banned him for two games after he stomped a Green Bay Packers offensive lineman on Thanksgiving Day in 2011. Suh has also been the recipient of multiple fines throughout his young career.

Detroit's defensive tackle ranks had already been depleted due to an ongoing injury to Nick Fairley. With Suh out, the Lions are likely to give more snaps to Caraun Reid, a 6-2 300-pound rookie out of Princeton.

The suspension could also mean Suh's time in a Lions jersey has come to an end. The former Nebraska Cornhusker's contract is up at the end of the season, and he is reported to be contemplating a move elsewhere.